Kentucky Derby 2014

[StarGirl11]

Okay so normally ZephyrHawk is the one that starts this thread. But considering we're a week out from the Derby and the thread is no wear to be found. I thought I would be the one to take the initiative this time around.

And boy do I have some photos to share with you guys this year! I had the unexpected joy of basically getting to watch California Chrome practically grow up for the better part of the last past year (from Breeders Cup time onwards). I was at each of his races from their on out except for the Cal Cup Derby. Trust me if someone had told me that pretty chestnut back last November (the first time I encountered him) was going to be the Kentucky Derby favorite I probably wouldn't haven't believed them at the time. But I can't even begin to tell how excited I am for next Saturday you guys.

I get the entertaining experience this year of watching an entire race call entirely in spanish. I am going to be in Panama for the Derby and Oaks. Will be at the nearby track for the Derby. But I think I am going to have to catch a replay of the Oaks (sucks for me because I really want to see the Oaks live but getting livestreams to work outside the US is a pain, there is a filly in there that share's my name). Also I am going to try and bet the Derby. Using google translate, the website's instructions, and my knowledge of the field. Wish me luck! It's going to be interesting.

So thoughts on this year's field? Who do you guys like?

I have to go out and do a few things. So I'll post the photos later of Junior (aka California Chrome) and the other Cali-based horses I have photos of when I'm back.

 

[Cannot_Wait_4Disney]

The Guru's prediction.

Secretariats time won't be beaten this year.

 

[yoopermom]

DH and I just got back from a week long trip to there. I loved the new statue out front, it is truly breathtaking.

I took the barn tour, and our guide told us that honestly he didn't know HOW they were going to get the construction all done in time for the Derby! It really was a work zone! I understand the need for change and growth, but the addition of boxes and jumbotron made me think of a football stadium, not Churchhill Downs (especially as viewed from the far side, as we were on the tour). It was really cool to see the shed rows, though, with the horses just finishing up their workouts, getting their wraps on, and munching on their hay (wish I would have got up earlier for the first tour, so I could have seen them work out).

Also made our first trip to Keeneland when it was actually having a race day, and enjoyed that beyond words. It is such an intimate setting with being so close to them in the paddock area, and even right in front of the track itself.

Took a tour that included getting to see Bodemeister (and others) up close and personal. His groom was in with him, and told us GREAT stories.

There is NOTHING like Kentucky in the spring for horse lovers, the excitement is palpable! (Not to mention the flyovers from the Blue Angels!)

Can't wait for the Derby!

Terri

 

[rpbert1]

Quite like Samraat esp being from Giants causeway, hope Rosie doent win, as my Daughter wants to be the first woman to win it , prob about 10 years down the line though

 

[BriarfoxinWA]

The Guru's prediction.

Secretariats time won't be beaten this year.

I think that's a pretty safe prediction.

 

[Cannot_Wait_4Disney]

I think that's a pretty safe prediction.

HAHA. I was really going out on a limb there wasn't I?

Trivia (and no looking it up.)
Secretariat received something on June 19th, 2012. What was it?
Which horse ran the Kentucky Derby in the second fastest time?

 

[dyna]

I spent more than 50 yrs of my life right across the river from the Kentucky Derby never went to an official Derby event much less the derby itself

 

[maxaroni]

DH and I just got back from a week long trip to there. I loved the new statue out front, it is truly breathtaking.

I took the barn tour, and our guide told us that honestly he didn't know HOW they were going to get the construction all done in time for the Derby! It really was a work zone! I understand the need for change and growth, but the addition of boxes and jumbotron made me think of a football stadium, not Churchhill Downs (especially as viewed from the far side, as we were on the tour). It was really cool to see the shed rows, though, with the horses just finishing up their workouts, getting their wraps on, and munching on their hay (wish I would have got up earlier for the first tour, so I could have seen them work out).

Also made our first trip to Keeneland when it was actually having a race day, and enjoyed that beyond words. It is such an intimate setting with being so close to them in the paddock area, and even right in front of the track itself.

Took a tour that included getting to see Bodemeister (and others) up close and personal. His groom was in with him, and told us GREAT stories.

There is NOTHING like Kentucky in the spring for horse lovers, the excitement is palpable! (Not to mention the flyovers from the Blue Angels!)

Can't wait for the Derby!

Terri

We vacationed in KY several years ago. I found the Louisville /Lexington are to be so peaceful and serene. We took the tour of CD as well as the backside tour so saw the horses working out. We went to Keeneland and toured there as well as seeing the workout. We ate lunch at Wagners pharmacy behind CD where trainors and jockeys eat. We went to Kentucky horse park as well. We toured three chimneys and saw Dynaformer, the sire to Barbaro. The statue out front is Barbaro, the 2006 Kentucky Derby champion who is also interred there. Awesome. Left him peppermints. We also toured Old Friends - a retirement home for thoroughbreds.

Of course, while in Louisville we saw the bat factory and took a ghost tour.

 

[WDWBarb]

HAHA. I was really going out on a limb there wasn't I? Trivia (and no looking it up.) Secretariat received something on June 19th, 2012. What was it? Which horse ran the Kentucky Derby in the second fastest time?

Secretariat was finally awarded the race record for the Preakness Stakes. There was a malfunction with the track timer that day but everyone with a stopwatch in their hand knew the truth - he had set the then track record and the still-standing race record. He swept the triple crown, setting records for every race. The Belmont victory may be the most magical moment ever captured on film.

I cried when they announced this. Sappy, I know, but I am a huge Secretariat fan.

Who holds the second fastest time for the Derby? That I do not know. I quit bring a fan of horse racing in 1990, after watching The Breeders Cup Distaff.

 

[maxaroni]

HAHA. I was really going out on a limb there wasn't I?

Trivia (and no looking it up.)
Secretariat received something on June 19th, 2012. What was it?
Which horse ran the Kentucky Derby in the second fastest time?

Monarchos and then Northern Dancer, if memory serves me from my tours.

 

[Deb in IA]

More importantly, where is ZephyrHawk?

Hope all is well . . .

 

[StarGirl11]

Sooo I can't seem to find my BC photos of Junior at the moment so I'm settling on my photos of him at the King Glorious instead and going forward from there. Sorry about the blurriness, Hollywood Park's lighting wasn't the best for photo taking even with a good camera.

Had to correct my grammar here. I still am using is and present day grammar for Hollywood. I'm not ready to let go of that track apparently.

Going to break these up into separate posts otherwise these posts are going to get big because of the size of the photos.

 

[StarGirl11]

Not sure where ZephyrHawk is either. Kind of odd he hasn't at least dropped in at least once. Hope everything is okay with him.

More photos of Junior at the King Glorious. This time of him in the paddock and then of him . This would also be the only time where I would be around him winning and I would decide not to take photos of him in the winners circle. Go figure.

I have to figure out which memory cards have the San Felipe photos. So that might take a bit. So I might wait until tomorrow to post the photos from that. Since he's the only horse going forward from that race. And then Wednesday will probably be Santa Anita Derby Day also featuring Candy Boy and Hoppurtunity.

 

[#1hoosierfan]

I currently live right across the river from Louisville and have for almost my entire life. I agree there is nothing like Louisville in the 2 weeks leading up to Derby. I ran the Derby mini-marathon 2 weekends ago and we ran thru Churchill Downs. They were hard at work on construction that morning, and I agree that I also don't know how I feel about the jumbotron. Churchill Downs has tons of history and majesty, but I LOVE Keeneland too. All eyes are on the weather now. Looks like it will be a cool Derby with possibly some rain.

 

[ZephyrHawk]

StarGirl11: Thanks for starting the thread!

Not sure where ZephyrHawk is either. Kind of odd he hasn't at least dropped in at least once. Hope everything is okay with him.

Got a new job this year which tends to keep me off the internet during daytime. I'm actually WORKING Derby morning (horrors!). Also, my 1.5 year old keeps me off the internet much of my "free" time.

Oh, and I'm a 'she'.

Cool photos! Gotta say, California Chrome is a pretty boy. Saw a "full flight" photo of him the other day that was just spectacular. Hard to knock him.

So thoughts on this year's field? Who do you guys like?

As I said, it's hard to fault the favorite this year, but I hate to pick a favorite. So I'm going with Wicked Strong (I think). Yeah, he messed around mid-stretch in the Wood, but a) it didn't hurt him, b) I think that was rider error, and c) he's got a new rider now. My two other picks, Constitution and Cairo Prince, are both out with injury. So if I had to pick one more to round out my trifecta, it would probably be Hoppertunity. He showed well finishing second in the Santa Anita Derby and I think Baffert was going light on him there.

Crud, I just realized I have the same top three as Steve Haskin....there go any claims I might have to originality. Sigh.

The Guru's prediction.

Secretariats time won't be beaten this year.

Well, certainly not if it's sloppy again. Although, more recent predictions do seem to indicate sun. Hmmmm.....

Which horse ran the Kentucky Derby in the second fastest time?

This is a trick question (one of my favorites). The second fastest WINNING time of the Derby was by Monarchos (2005). Northern Dancer (1964) had the third fastest winning time. HOWEVER, the horse that "ran" the Derby fastest after Secretariat, was in fact the horse that ran directly behind him. Sham ran the second fastest time placing in the 1973 Derby.

 

[lynxstch]

There we go~ now that ZephyrHawk has commented, I can officially name my favorites (and I knew that Zephyr was a she, lol)

As always I never have one favorite, usually 3, so my picks are
Dance With Fate
Wicked Strong
We Miss Artie

Since I don't bet for money, I feel safe going with 3 till just before race time, then I'll choose my winning pick (I'm thinking it's going to be Wicked Strong)

If I was going for sentiment, I would go with Calvin riding Ride on Curlin, but something tells me it's not going to be his race

 

[StarGirl11]

StarGirl11: Thanks for starting the thread!



Got a new job this year which tends to keep me off the internet during daytime. I'm actually WORKING Derby morning (horrors!). Also, my 1.5 year old keeps me off the internet much of my "free" time.

Oh, and I'm a 'she'.

Cool photos! Gotta say, California Chrome is a pretty boy. Saw a "full flight" photo of him the other day that was just spectacular. Hard to knock him.



As I said, it's hard to fault the favorite this year, but I hate to pick a favorite. So I'm going with Wicked Strong (I think). Yeah, he messed around mid-stretch in the Wood, but a) it didn't hurt him, b) I think that was rider error, and c) he's got a new rider now. My two other picks, Constitution and Cairo Prince, are both out with injury. So if I had to pick one more to round out my trifecta, it would probably be Hoppertunity. He showed well finishing second in the Santa Anita Derby and I think Baffert was going light on him there.

Crud, I just realized I have the same top three as Steve Haskin....there go any claims I might have to originality. Sigh.



Well, certainly not if it's sloppy again. Although, more recent predictions do seem to indicate sun. Hmmmm.....



This is a trick question (one of my favorites). The second fastest WINNING time of the Derby was by Monarchos (2005). Northern Dancer (1964) had the third fastest winning time. HOWEVER, the horse that "ran" the Derby fastest after Secretariat, was in fact the horse that ran directly behind him. Sham ran the second fastest time placing in the 1973 Derby.

Ah whoops completely didn't realize you were female. Funny we've talked at least once a year for what three years now and I just realized this.

Anyway San Felipe photo time. Good thing is while I was hunting down these photos I found my Santa Anita Derby photos. So when I go to post those tomorrow probably after the post draw. I won't have to go digging for them.

This is going to be a multi-post with the photos. I have a lot of them.

More photos coming in a second.

 

[StarGirl11]

California Chrome coming back around in the paddock. And getting ready to be mounted by Victor Espinoza. Also this is kind of fun because you can kind of compare and contrast how he looks here and how he looked in the King Glorious almost three months prior.

One of my personal favorite photos of him:

Another post coming in a second. Yeah I was a bit trigger happy at the San Felipe. Once I got site of this boy in broad daylight I couldn't stop photographing him.

 

[Jennasis]

Secretariat was finally awarded the race record for the Preakness Stakes. There was a malfunction with the track timer that day but everyone with a stopwatch in their hand knew the truth - he had set the then track record and the still-standing race record. He swept the triple crown, setting records for every race. The Belmont victory may be the most magical moment ever captured on film.

I cried when they announced this. Sappy, I know, but I am a huge Secretariat fan.

Who holds the second fastest time for the Derby? That I do not know. I quit bring a fan of horse racing in 1990, after watching The Breeders Cup Distaff.

Are you talking about Go For Wand's breakdown on the stretch? Broke my freakin' heart. I actually screamed in my livingroom...my mother came running in, and there I was sobbing. Worst thing I've ever seen...right up until I had to deal with one of my client's horses snapping a leg in half just running around the pasture.

 

[StarGirl11]

More photos. Decided to be a tad bit more selective from here on out. Because otherwise we are going to have waaay to many posts. As I said I got trigger happy with my camera shutter the minute I saw Junior for the first time in the California sun.

So this time around. Junior being mounted by Victor Espinoza and then in the paddock with him aboard. And then the two of them winning the San Felipe. Sorry about the other people in the way. I sure the hell wasn't expecting what unfolded so I wasn't quiet camera ready at San Felipe. A little better at Derby. But still had some problems.

ETA: On second thought. It's late here (almost 11 I'm in Chile currently). I'll continue the photos tomorrow after my run probably. Hopefully the post draw will go well tomorrow.